Italy keeps their South African coach until 2020

NEWS: Italy like to add a South African flavour to their coaching staff. They like it so much they have signed one until 2020.

Marius Goosen will remain as Italy defensive coach until June 30, 2020 "giving continuity to the relationship started in 2016," the Italian Rugby Federation announced on Tuesday.

The 47-year-old South African - Director of Rugby at Italian Pro14 franchise Treviso - has been part of the national setup since the arrival of Irishman Conor O'Shea as head coach in March 2016.

"I'm happy to be able to continue working with the federation and with Italy, the country that welcomed me fifteen years ago, and to continue the growth path started in the last year and a half, with the arrival of Conor in Italy," said former wing Goosen who arrived in Italy to play for club side Roma in 2004, before playing for Treviso.

"We still have a long way to go to be more competitive, but the collaboration between the National team and the two franchises has never been so profitable.

"I thank the Federation and Conor for allowing me to continue my experience with the national team until after the Rugby World Cup 2019, which is the first medium-long term goal of this group."

Goosen also lined up for the Bulls, Stormers and Falcons in South Africa during his playing career.

Italy continues their Six Nations campaign against Ireland in Dublin next Saturday, followed by France and Wales, before a finale against Scotland back in Rome on March 17.